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More than 400 students in grades 6-12 across the state are participating in this year’s Alaska History Day contest from March 23-30. This annual competition is held at local, state, and national levels to engage kids in creating history projects about topics that resonate with them, connected to an annual national theme. This year’s National History Day (NHD) theme is “Conflict and Compromise in History.”

From March 23-30, the top finishers from local contests will compete in the online state contest. We are currently seeking judges to help evaluate student projects during this week. Judges give feedback that helps students understand how to improve their communication and research skills. The feedback also helps prepare winning students for the next level of competition: the national contest in Washington, D.C. in June. The more diverse the judging pool, the better the feedback and the experience for the students.

Who can judge?Alaskans with an interest in history who have a reliable internet connection.

What training is required?Judges will be e-mailed a brief training video with sample evaluation rubrics. In all, the training should last around 20 minutes. The National History Day organization has designed the contest so that judges need not be professional historians or academics.

What’s the time commitment?
Judges can choose their time commitment, with a minimum of one hour between March 23-30. Judging can take place any time during that week – in the evenings, during the day, or on the weekend.

Can I choose what category of projects I judge?Judges may request preferred categories among the five types of projects: website, documentary film, paper, performance, or exhibit.

How do I sign up?Contact state coordinator Amanda Dale at adale@akhf.org / (907) 272-5503.Or go to the Alaska Humanities Forum Alaska History Day Webpage (akhf.org/ahd) and scroll down to the bottom of the page, and fill out the quick form.